Reading method for linear tape open

A non-transitory, computer readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement a method for operating a tape storage system, the method comprising:

• simultaneously receiving readback signals from a set of data readers reading from data tracks of a set of adjacent data tracks extending along a longitudinal extension of a tape storage medium wherein each data track of the set has a width and each data reader of the set has a width equal to or less than the width of a data track;
• simultaneously with receiving the readback signals from the set of data readers, receiving readback signals from a first servo reader arrangement having two servo readers, a first one of which is laterally offset by a positive offset value from a first data reader of the set of data readers and a second one of which is laterally offset by a negative offset value from the first data reader;
• and
• determining at least one of lateral position, velocity, gain and timing information dependent on the readback signals of the two servo readers of the first servo reader arrangement and the readback signal of the one data reader, by correlating the readback signals of the two servo readers with the readback signal of the first data reader.